Pocono Football Preview: Pleasant Valley has firm grip on Old Oaken Bucket

Friday

Oct 5, 2012 at 12:01 AM

The battle for the Old Oaken Bucket started in 1961 when Pleasant Valley beat Pocono Mountain 20-8. There was no Mountain Valley Conference and no Pocono Mountain East High School for that matter, either.

MIKE KUHNS

The battle for the Old Oaken Bucket started in 1961 when Pleasant Valley beat Pocono Mountain 20-8.

There was no Mountain Valley Conference and no Pocono Mountain East High School for that matter, either.

There's been plenty of streaks since then — Pocono Mountain winning six in a row in the mid-1980s, while Pleasant Valley returned the favor with eight in a row from 1999 through 2006.

The Bears are playing well again in 2012 even if their record is just 3-2. PV is favored to win its fifth straight Bucket game tonight against their rival at Pocono Mountain School District Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

For PV coach Jim Terwilliger, his biggest job is keeping his team focused on the opponent, and not the streak.

"We don't prepare any different for any teams," Terwilliger said. "I don't care if we're playing for the Old Oaken Bucket, the Lombardi Trophy or anything else. We respect who they are."

The Cardinals are balanced and if PV gives them an opening with turnovers, he expects Pocono East to take full advantage.

"They've got tremendous athletes," Terwilliger said. "Let's not overlook that. Evan Fardella is one of the top quarterbacks in our conference and he's got guys around him. It's a great challenge for our defense."

It's a defense that might be Terwilliger's best since he arrived at Pleasant Valley four years ago. Linebacker Dakota Everett has enjoyed a big year, and defensive end Marquis Brown anchors a talented defensive line.

"I couldn't be happier with the progress of our defense," Terwilliger said. "They're playing hard-nosed football and we've reaped the benefits."

The pick — PV quarterback Brandon Leap is quietly enjoying a solid year for the Bears. He's thrown for 971 yards and 13 touchdowns. It'll be a big test for East's secondary. Bears, 34-28.

Here's a look at the rest of tonight's games.

This is a big game for both teams with district playoff implications on the line. The Spartans have lost to district contenders Scranton (24-14) and Delaware Valley (35-14).

Stroudsburg's Altarique Mosley-Dew took over the rushing lead last week and has 708 yards on the ground this year. The senior has put up good numbers — running for 140 against Allen, 236 against Pocono West and 169 against Lehighton.

The pick — Mosley-Dew runs for 100 yards again. Mounties, 27-13.

Lehighton got its first victory last week with a 42-0 win over Dieruff.

ES North senior David Allbaugh ran for 197 yards and a touchdown last week in a 47-25 victory over Pocono West. Lorenzo Melchiorre had his best game of his career, scoring four touchdowns.

The pick — Timberwolves playing with too much confidence. North, 40-20.

Dieruff's struggling offense will have its hands full against one of the top defenses in the conference. Eastburg South is coming off a confidence-building victory over Pocono East.